Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman traveled to Yemen today, January 25. While there, she met with Vice President Abdo Rabbo Mansour al-Hadi, other senior government officials, Yemeni civil society leaders, youth organizations, and media to discuss ways the United States can support a peaceful democratic transition. Under Secretary Sherman’s visit is the first by a senior U.S. Government official since the signing of the political agreement on November 23.

In her meetings, she reiterated that the United States supports the presidential election to be held in February that will begin a new chapter in Yemen’s history and lead to additional reform. She encouraged the National Consensus Government and the Yemeni people to seize the opportunity to begin addressing Yemen’s long-standing security, development, economic, and governance challenges. Under Secretary Sherman also highlighted U.S. support for a strong role for civil society in the national dialogue process. In her meetings with civil society organizations, media, and youth, Under Secretary Sherman highlighted U.S. support for the strong role civil society can play in the upcoming national dialogue process. The United States along with the international community will continue to stand by the Yemeni people as they seek a more secure, prosperous, and democratic future.